Spring Loaded Pliers... Like them or not?

[NutSAK]

I dislike them.  Springs are just something else to weaken or break.  This is one reason I prefer revolvers to semi-auto handguns.

I can open a pair of pliers just fine without springs.  Springs do have a place on more delicate pliers, as many have mentioned.

Most revolvers also have springs that can cause problems by wearing out or even breaking.

Over the years I have experienced several revolver failures due to issues with springs.

Revolvers as a class tend to be more reliable than semi-autos as a class, but I don't think springs are the main reason.

.
 

Thanks for the lesson.  I had no idea. 

Notice I said, "one reason".  I also was not implying that revos do not have springs.

Well, the statement:
"Springs are just something else to weaken or break.  This is one reason I prefer revolvers to semi-auto handguns."

seems to imply that revolver springs aren't prone to weakening or breaking as semi-auto springs are - which doesn't match my experience.

OK, so now you're saying that I implied something completely different.  This time it's that I was implying that springs in revolvers aren't prone to weakening, not that they don't have springs at all as you interpreted the first time.  Which is it?  If you don't know what I meant, I suggest you ask instead of making assumptions.

There are more springs to weaken or break in semi-autos than revolvers.  More springs/parts increase complexity and thus the possibility of failure.

Just the same, one spring in a plier increases the chance that a part of that plier will weaken or fail, vs. a plier with no spring loading.

[J-sews]

Gentlemen, revolvers -vs- semiautos is a debate that has gone on for decades and it won't be settled on this forum. Lets get back to chatting about the topic at hand;

Spring Loaded Pliers... Like them or not?

[NutSAK]

Just the same, one spring in a plier increases the chance that a part of that plier will weaken or fail, vs. a plier with no spring loading.

I don't like them, for the reason stated in my last message.  I am not debating handguns; I was only using the analogy in my first message as an example.

Thank you.

[jzmtl]

Funny this thread came up, I just bought a cheap set that's on sale and the MT included is spring loaded. I don't like spring loaded pliers. I don't always want to open to max while using but if I don't keep my hands on it it will. Also if I put down the MT it opens up, bumping other stuff around and take up large space.

I'm going to return the set tomorrow, but that's mainly because the quality is utter crap, served me right for buying cheap no name stuff that's 75% off I guess.  

[ringzero]

OK, so now you're saying that I implied something completely different.  This time it's that I was implying that springs in revolvers aren't prone to weakening, not that they don't have springs at all as you interpreted the first time.  Which is it?

I have no idea which it is - you're the one who wrote it.

Seems rather ambiguous, but upon re-reading it could be implying that:

-revolvers don't have springs

or

-revolver springs are less prone to failure

 

If you don't know what I meant, I suggest you ask instead of making assumptions.

Your suggestion seems somewhat impractical for casual discourse.

You may rest assured that if you write something ambiguous about a topic that I deem to be truly important, then I will take the time to ask what you meant.

       

There are more springs to weaken or break in semi-autos than revolvers.  More springs/parts increase complexity and thus the possibility of failure.

Just the same, one spring in a plier increases the chance that a part of that plier will weaken or fail, vs. a plier with no spring loading.

Working strictly from memory, I'm not sure the difference in the number of springs is large.

Typical semi-auto springs:
-mainspring
-recoil
-firing pin
-extractor
-magazine
-magazine latch

Typical revolver springs:
-mainspring
-firing pin (possibly)
-bolt
-ejector
-cylinder latch
-transfer bar (possibly)

I don't think a slight difference in the number of springs accounts for much of the overall difference in reliability.

Other factors in the design are much more important.

If the spring fails in spring loaded pliers most likely you will still be in possesion of a functional pair of pliers, but will have to open them manually.

.

[I'm Still Bison]

 There's  some people here that enjoy firearms and firearm discussions. Let's take this kind of discussion to the Break Room  and save the General Tool Forum for tools

[I'm Still Bison]

Funny this thread came up, I just bought a cheap set that's on sale and the MT included is spring loaded. I don't like spring loaded pliers. I don't always want to open to max while using but if I don't keep my hands on it it will. Also if I put down the MT it opens up, bumping other stuff around and take up large space.

I'm going to return the set tomorrow, but that's mainly because the quality is utter crap, served me right for buying cheap no name stuff that's 75% off I guess.  

                If it was me,and I didn't pay too much for the set,I'd hang on to it,and keep for use as a loaner tool.

[NutSAK]

You may rest assured that if you write something ambiguous about a topic that I deem to be truly important, then I will take the time to ask what you meant.

I doubt that.  From the amount of discussion that you've posted on this topic you obviously find it important, and you haven't asked me what I meant yet.
       

If the spring fails in spring loaded pliers most likely you will still be in possesion of a functional pair of pliers, but will have to open them manually.

True, but you will have a broken part on a pair of pliers that, IMO, didn't need to be there in the first place.

[jzmtl]

                If it was me,and I didn't pay too much for the set,I'd hang on to it,and keep for use as a loaner tool.

I would usually, but this set is an entire new level of crapness. I paid $10 for the set which include a mt, a knife, a compass, and a light.

Well the lock on knife doesn't engage properly, I broke my nail trying to get the tools out of MT, the arrow on compass is not aligned with north, and light is on par with dollar store quality.

[J-sews]

                If it was me,and I didn't pay too much for the set,I'd hang on to it,and keep for use as a loaner tool.

I would usually, but this set is an entire new level of crapness. I paid $10 for the set which include a mt, a knife, a compass, and a light.

Well the lock on knife doesn't engage properly, I broke my nail trying to get the tools out of MT, the arrow on compass is not aligned with north, and light is on par with dollar store quality.

Maybe you could loan that one out to your in-laws?

[Benner]

I was never really impressed with them until I got to handle the Gerber 800.  They seemed pretty well made, but I do still think I'd prefer them without. 

[cryptrick]

I really dislike spring loaded pliers on multi's. They are OK for keyring sized ones but on the normal sized tools its a no no for me. I've only had one and got rid of it a short while after.

[Teofilo]

Who'll break the 50/50 poll for the likes and dislikes?